本文选自吴应时主编的《大学英语六级阅读真题精读——晨读伴侣》。本书对历年国家大学英语六级考试（CET-6）的仔细阅读部分进行了详尽而精准的分析、翻译和注释，对四六级考生有着事半功倍的效果，对提升整体英语能力也很有帮助。
学习导读：
焦虑是人类最耗费时间的事情，可每个人都会有或多或少的焦虑。这是人中不可忽视的本性。卡耐基《How to stop worring and start living》就是一本针对焦虑而作之书，中文名很可爱，叫做《人性的优点》，或许，战胜了焦虑的本性，也就是人性最大的优点了？
[In a purely biological 1sense 2], fear begins with the body’s system [for reacting 3to things] {that can harm us} – {the so-called 4 fight-or-flight response 5}. “An animal (that can’t detect 6 danger) can’t stay alive,” says Joseph LeDoux. [Like animals], humans evolved 7 with an elaborate 8mechanism [for processing 9information about potential 10 threats]. At its core is a cluster 11 of neurons 12 [deep in the brain] [known as the amygdala 13].
从纯粹的生物学意义而言，恐惧源自人体系统对可能伤害自身的事物的反应， 即所谓的战斗或逃跑反应。 约瑟夫勒杜认为：“无法察觉到危险的动物无法生存 ”。像其他动物一样，人类进化进程中也产生了一套精密的机制来处理相关的潜在威胁信息。这套机制的核心是大脑深层被称为扁桃核的一簇神经元。
注：1. biological adj. 生物学的，生物的，与生命过程相关的；常用术语 biological clock生物钟，生理钟。例：
The first few matches have now been made between so-called stolen children and their biological mothers.
最初几场比赛现在已经在所谓的被偷的孩子和他们的亲生母亲之间进行了。
[选自：BBC: Spain's stolen babies and the families who lived a lie]
而该词也可表示亲生而非领养的血缘关系。
a child’s biological parents = natural, not adoptive parents
孩子的亲生父母
2. sense n. 视觉、听觉等，感觉，意识；理解力，判断力；常用短语：
make sense 有意义，有道理，讲得通；make sense of sth. 理解，弄懂。例：
He was a true friend, in every sense of the word.(= in every possible way)
无论从哪个角度讲，他都是个真正的朋友。
These days, we need music to reignite the sense of wonder we felt as children.
如今，我们需要用音乐来重新激起孩童时代的好奇感。
[选自：NPR: A Parent Weights In]
3. reacting v.（对...）作出反应，回应；此处为react的动名词形式，常见搭配react to sth by doing。例：
Our thoughts significantly influence our reality because what we think influences how we react and respond.
我们的思想明显影响实际行为，因为我们的思想影响我们反应和应对的方式。
[选自：FORBES: Unplug From Negative Thinking]
4. so-called adj. 所谓的。例：
These so-called cookies can log your surfing habits, allowing advertisers to tailor ads to your interests.
这些所谓的缓存可以记录你的上网习惯，使得广告主根据你的兴趣为你量身定制广告。
[选自：CNN: 5 tips for controlling your privacy online]
5. response n.（口头的或书面的）答复，回答；响应，回应。常用短语
in response to 对...反应。例：
Theories focusing on the role of social suggest that children commit crimes in response to their failure to rise above their socioeconomic status.
把社会看作主要原因的理论则提出儿童犯罪是对提高社会经济地位的努力失败的一种反应。
Isle of Wight Council said the changes were in response to cuts in government funding.
怀特岛议会声明，做出改变是为了响应政府对经费的削减。
[选自：BBC: Isle of Wight Council care cuts unlawful]
6. detect v. 察觉，发觉；侦察，探测。例：
The police detected drugs hidden in the car.
警察发觉车上藏有毒品。
So far, telescopes have been able to detect just over 300 planets outside our Solar System.
到目前为止，天文望远镜已经能够探测太阳系外300多颗行星。
[选自：BBC: Galaxy has 'billions of Earths]
7. evolved v. evolve的过去分词形式（使）进化。例：
The whale evolved from a species of land-dwelling mammal.
鲸是由一种陆生哺乳动物进化而来的。
For example product placements in movies and shows will evolve into an even larger role.
例如，电影和电视节目中的植入式广告将具有更大的作用。
[选自：FORBES: Most Popular]
8. elaborate adj.精心制作的，详尽复杂的。文中作形容词解。例：
The guests amassed in the kitchen to see the host cut the elaborate cake.
客人们聚在厨房里看主人切那个制作精美的蛋糕。
While the pharaohs were building pyramids, their courtiers were creating elaborate tombs for themselves.
当法老在建造金字塔的时候，他们的臣子都在为自己建造精致的坟墓。
[选自：BBC: The perfect trip: Egypt]
v. 详述，详细制定。例：
We are elaborating our travel plan.
我们正在详细制定我们的旅行计划。
Sony suggested that the information may have been stolen from other companies, but did not elaborate.
索尼公司暗示这些信息可能被其他公司窃取，但没有详细说明。
[选自：BBC: Sony locks 93,000 online accounts after security breach]
9. process n. 工序，过程。例：
Producing a dictionary is a slow process.
编成一本字典是一个缓慢的过程。
The curriculum is the product of a comprehensive process carried out over a three-year period.
该课程是为期三年的综合过程的产物。
[选自：UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES]
v. 加工，处理，起诉，列队前进。例：
It may take a few weeks for your application to be processed.
审查你的申请书也许需要等几个星期。
Orders are starting to backlog faster than we can process them.
订单开始形成积压，我们来不及处理。
[选自：《21世纪大英汉词典》]
10. potential adj. 潜在的，可能的。例：
The most perceptive of the three, she was the first to realize the potential danger of their situation.
她在他们三人中最敏感，首先意识到他们处境的潜在危险。
First, there is a need for quantitative research to examine the potential effects of the proposals.
首先，定量研究有必要考察提案的潜在影响。
[选自：UNCTAD: Highlights]
n. 潜力，潜能。例：
Education decelops potential abilities.
教育能开发人的潜能。
11. cluster n. 群，簇，丛，串。例：
But he stressed that, in his view, the cluster of suicides was "purely coincidental".
但他强调说，在他看来，集群的自杀是“纯属巧合” 。
[选自：BBC: RELATED BBC SITES]
用法：a cluster of表示“一串，一群……”时，要注意句中主谓语的一致性。
12. neuron n. 神经元，神经细胞。
13. amygdala n. 扁桃核
LeDoux studies the way (animals and humans respond to threats) [to understand how we form memories of significant 1 events in our lives]. The amygdala receives input [from many parts of the brain], [including regions 2 responsible for retrieving memories]. [Using this information], the amygdala appraises 3 a situation – I think this charging dog wants to bite me – and triggers 4 a response [by radiating 5 nerve 6 signals throughout the body]. These signals produce the familiar signals (of distress 7): {trembling 8 , perspiration 9 and fast-moving feet}, ^just to name three^.
为了理解我们如何形成对生命中重大事件的记忆，勒杜斯研究了动物和人类对威胁做出反应的方式。扁桃核从大脑的多个部分接收信息——包括负责回忆的区域。扁桃核利用这些信息来评估某种情形：例如，如果我认为这条冲过来的狗想咬我，就会通过向全身发送神经信号来激发反应。这些信号会产生我们所熟悉的痛苦的症状，这里只列出以下三种：颤抖、出汗和双脚迅速移动。
注：1. significant adj. 重要的，有意义的，意味深长的；【派】significantly adv.值得注目地，意味深长地；insignificant adj.无关紧要的。例：
The letter's publication is significant because the tightly controlled newspapers closely reflect government positions.
这封信的发表意义重大，因为受严格控制的报纸密切地反映政府的立场。
[选自：NPR: Release Of Myanmar Political Prisoners May Be Soon]
2. region n. 地区，范围，领域，地带。例：
The region near the erupting volcano was evacuated rapidly.
火山爆发处附近已迅速撤空。
With tariff barriers coming down across the region, businesses are moving across borders ever more rapidly.
随着整个地区的关税壁垒下降，企业跨越国界的速度越来越快。
[选自：CNN: Banqueting With the Bears]
3. appraise v. 评估，评价。例：
The teacher is appraising the students’ work.
老师正在评价学生的作业。
The Bureau meets annually to appraise, select and allocate funding for media projects.
教育局每年举行一次会议，为媒体项目评估、选择和分配资金。
[选自：UNESCO: Communication and Information]
4. trigger v. 使发生，触发，使运行；n. 扳机，起因
短语：trigger an armed clash 引起武装冲突。例：
Any implanted object can trigger a foreign body response which looks a lot like cancer.
任何植入人体的物体都可能引发异物反应，这看起来很像癌症。
[选自：ENGADGET: RFID implants linked to cancer in lab tests]
5. radiate v. 放射，散发，流露，辐射。例：
Eight roads radiate from the square.
八条大道从广场呈辐射形伸展出去。
As Parisians settle down to sleep, trains radiate out across the continent in all directions.
当巴黎人安顿下来睡觉后，一辆辆火车朝欧洲大陆的各个方向分散驶去。
[选自：BBC: Europe's eight best night trains]
6. nerve n. 神经，勇气，叶脉；（复）nerves:神经紧张；例：
He’s got a nerve, going to work dressed like that.
他真有胆量，穿成那样去工作。
This nerve links the retina to the part of the brain that enables them to see.
这种神经在视网膜与大脑中控制视觉的中枢之间建立联系。
[选自：BBC: NEWS | Health | Scientists 're-grow optic nerves]
7. distress n.不幸，危难，苦恼，痛苦；adj. 亏本出售的
短语：distress merchandise 亏本出售的商品；a distress sale 廉价出售。例：
Any solution will have to break the nexus between sovereign crisis and banking distress.
所有解决方案必须打破主权债务危机和银行业困境之间的关系。
[选自：WSJ: How to Solve Europe's Banking Crisis]
8. tremble n. 颤抖；v. 发抖，忧虑，震颤。例：
He was trembling with rage.
他气得发抖。
She goes suddenly numb and her lips start to tremble.
她突然变得麻木，并且嘴唇开始颤抖。
[选自：NEWYORKER: Indianapolis (Highway 74)]
9. perspiration n. 汗水，流汗。例：
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
天才是靠百分之一的灵感与百分之九十九的苦汗（努力）。
It is designed to test the skin for alcohol every half hour by sampling a person's perspiration.
它的设计原理是通过每隔半小时采样一个人的汗液来测试皮肤的酒精含量。
[选自：BBC: Lindsay Lohan violates US court alcohol ban]
This fear mechanism 1 is critical 2 to the survival of all animals, but no one can say [for sure] whether beasts other than humans know they’re afraid. That is, ^as LeDoux says^, “[if you put that system (that has consciousness 3,)] [then] you get the feeling (of fear).”
这种恐惧机制对所有动物的生存都至关重要，不过没人能够肯定除了人类之外，野兽是否也“知道”它们自己在害怕。也就是如勒杜所说，“如果把那套系统放入有意识的大脑内，就会产生恐惧的感觉。”
注：1. mechanism n. 机制，原理。例：
It's not just a mechanism for noting problems, though it'll be useful for that.
尽管这套机制对指出问题有帮助，但是这不是它的根本目的
[选自：BOINGBOING: Boing Boing's new community features]。
2. critical adj. 批评的，挑剔的，决定性的，危险的。例：
The reform of enterprises are now at the critical moment.
现在企业的改革正处于紧要关头。
The driver and passenger of the Corsa are both in a critical condition in hospital.
科萨事件中的司机和乘客都在医院，病情危重。
[选自：BBC: Location map]
3. consciousness n. 意识，知觉，觉悟。例：
She’s regained consciousness, but she’s not out of woods yet.
她已恢复了知觉，但尚未脱险。
Dreams are more likely to let the more divergent feelings inside us rise to our consciousness.
梦更容易让我们内心更多不同的感受上升为我们的意识。
[选自：MSN: Listening to dreams can help build self-esteem]
Human, says Edward M. Hallowell, have the ability [to call up images of bad things] (that happened [in the past]) and [to anticipate 1 future events]. Combine 2these higher thought processes [with our hardwired 3 danger-detection 4 systems], and you get a near-universal 5 human phenomenon 6: {worry}.
爱德华·哈洛韦尔说，人类能回想起过去发生的不好的事情并能预测未来的事情。将这些高级的思维过程和我们天生的危险检测系统相结合，就可以发现一种近乎普遍的人类现象：焦虑。
注：1. anticipate v.预计。例：
We anticipate that we will meet a certain amount of resistance to our plan.
我们预料我们的计划会遭到一些人的反对。
Policy makers didn't anticipate the market's reaction to new bank capital and liquidity rules.
政策制定者没有预料到市场对新的银行资本和流动性规定的反应。
[选自：WSJ: Policy Makers Must Dig Deep Into Their Tool Boxes]
2. combine v. 联合，使结合；常用词组：combine…with… “把……结合起来”且短语前后应该连接两个对等的成分。例：
We can’t always combine work with pleasure.
我们并不总是能在工作中享受到乐趣。
Then there are hybrid engines that combine a solid fuel with a liquid oxidiser.
还有一种混合动力引擎，把固体燃料与液体氧化剂结合在一起。
[选自：BBC: Tech Know: The sky is not the limit]
3. hardwired adj. 电路的，天生的。例：
The discovery that rats have a hardwired navigation system could also have implications for human brain development.
研究发现老鼠有一套天生的导航系统，这可能也暗示着人类大脑发展的模式。
[选自：MSN: Sense of direction seems to be innate]
4. detection n. 探测，侦查，察觉，发觉。例：
Bees have different color detection systems from humans, and can see in the UV spectrum.
蜜蜂有与人类不同的颜色检测系统，它们在紫外光谱中也可以看得见。
[选自：BBC: Database shows how bees see world in UV]
5. universal adj. ①普遍的，全体的，通用的。例：
Music is the universal language.
音乐是世界通用的语言。
The world is not on track to achieve the goal of universal primary education.
世界上的国家没有如期实现普及小学教育的目标。
[选自：UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES]
②宇宙的，世界的。例：
The travel agency is planning to have a universal travel.
该旅行社正在计划搞一次环球旅行。
【派】universalize v. 使一般化，使普遍化；universally adv. 普遍地，到处
6. phenomenon n. [pl. phenomena]现象，奇人，奇事。例：
Bankruptcy is a common phenomenon in an economic recession.
破产在经济萧条期是一种常见现象。
The phenomenon ceased only after local residents donated money and the church was repaired.
这种现象等到当地居民捐完钱，教堂被修复之后才停止。
[选自：CNN: LETTERS AND COMMENT]
That’s [not necessarily 1] a bad thing, says Hallowell. “[When used properly 2], worry is an incredible 3 device 4,” he says. [After all], a little healthy worrying is okay [if it leads to constructive 5 action] – [like having a doctor look at that weird 6 spot 7 on your back].
哈洛韦尔说，“焦虑未必是件坏事。如果利用得当，焦虑反而是一套极妙的装置。”毕竟，如果能够引导积极的行为，略微的健康焦虑也是可以的（比如说请医生为你检查背上的怪斑）。
注：1. necessarily adv. 必然地，必定地，必需地；同义词：inevitably。例：
The rich are not necessarily happy.
有钱人未必快乐。
But he would not necessarily know that the car thief might also have a stolen gun.
但他不一定会知道汽车窃贼可能也有偷来的枪。
[选自：CNN: FBI turns on new crime-fighting system]
2. properly adv. 恰当地，正确地，完全地；
短语：properly speaking=speaking properly= to speak properly。例：
That is not, properly speaking, a dictionary but a grammar book.
严格地说，那不是一本字典，而是一本语法书。
To prevent or even cure AIDS, he recommends eating properly and abstaining from drug use.
为了预防甚至治愈艾滋病，他建议合理饮食，拒绝吸毒。
[选自：NEWYORKER: The Denialists]
3. incredible adj. 难以置信的，惊人的。例：
That’s the most incredible coincidence I’ve heard of!
那是我听说过的最难以置信的巧合！
These simple changes have had incredible results - but would they work in Wales?
这些简单的改变产生了惊人的结果 - 但他们会在威尔士奏效吗？
[选自：BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Fit Finns' healthy inspiration]
4. device n.装置，设备，策略，设计；device有“被设计，想出来的东西”的意思。例：
He devised something by which much time could be saved, but his device did not prove practical.
他设计出一些能够节省时间的东西，但是这些设备被证明是不实际的。
Users can even remotely lock or wipe data from a lost device to protect privacy.
用户甚至可以远程锁定或擦除他们丢失的设备上的数据，以保护隐私。
[选自：ENGADGET: iOS 4.2 available today, brings the iPad into the multitasking era (update: it's live)]
5. constructive adj. 建设性的，构造上的；
短语：constuctive criticism 建设性的批评；
a constructive attitude 建设性的态度；
constructive philosophy 建设性的哲学；
constructive permission 建设许可。例：
By your unswerving defence of these principles you have made a constructive contribution to the evolution of a world order.
你们坚定不移地捍卫了这些原则，这对一种国际秩序的演化和发展做出了建设性的贡献。
To create a new, more constructive and more rational culture for our national politics.
为我们的国家政策创建新的，更具建设性和理性的文化。
[选自：BBC: News | UK Politics | Text of the Lib Lab deal statement]
6. weird adj. 怪异的，不可思议的，超自然的；weird guy: 怪胎；
n. 命运，符咒，语言。例：
He looks like nothing on earth in those weird clothes.
他穿着奇装异服难看极了。
It's not that weird actually, although other people's reactions to it have been quite weird.
虽然其他人的反应相当怪异，但其实这并不是很奇怪。
[选自：BBC: Wisbech Town FC ground is new home to 'avid' fan]
7. spot n. 地点，现场，职位，污点，斑点，少量；adj. 现场的，现货的；
v. 使产生污渍，玷污，认出；
spot表示“地点”时，前面习惯与介词on搭配。例：
I found her standing on this spot.
我发现她站在这个地方。
Plans were being made to move the propane tanks to a safer spot, she said.
她说，目前正计划将丙烷罐转移到一个更安全的地方。
Hallowell insists 1, [though 2], that there’s a right way (to worry). “[Never] do it [alone], get the facts and [then] make a plan,” he says. Most of us have survived a recession 3, so we’re familiar 4 with the belt-tightening strategies 5 (needed to survive a slump 6).
但是哈洛韦尔坚决主张，焦虑也有法可循。“永远不要只是焦虑，而要找出真相然后制定计划，”他说。我们大部分人曾经都经历过经济萧条的时期，所以对于度过经济不景气时期所需要的紧缩开支策略我们都很熟悉。
1. insist v.（~on sth.）坚持，强调，坚决主张；短语：insist on 主张；insist upon 强调。例：
I insist on your taking immediate action to put this tight.
我坚决要求你立刻才去行动把事情处理好。
Russians will no doubt insist that they are as entitled as anyone to protection against terrorism.
俄罗斯人无疑会坚持自己与其他任何人一样，有权抵制恐怖主义。
[选自：ECONOMIST: Russia and Chechnya]
2. though conj. 虽然，尽管，然而，但是；区别although和though：though可以作副词，指“但是”，但是although不行。例：
He said he would come, he didn’t, though.
他说他要来的，但他没来。
Jobs don't mean everything, though: A city is more livable if a family's income goes further.
工作并不意味着一切，尽管如此：如果一个家庭的收入更多，这个城市将更宜居。
[选自：MSN: Pittsburgh tops list of most-livable cities in U.S.]
句中的though不能替换成although。
As though属于固定搭配，这里though不能替换成although。Although要比though来的更正式，相对而言，语气比较重，但是though的使用更普遍。Although引导的从句，常指实际发生的事情，而不是假象，设想。例：
He would not be unhappy though he should have to live alone.
就算要一个人住，他可能也不会不开心。
He was not unhappy although he had to live alone.
虽然他不得不要一个人住，却没有不开心。
Though和although都可以在从句中用作连词，通常表示相同的意思，但though更普遍适应于非正式的表述中。
3. recession n.后退，不景气。例：
There is no sign that the recession has bottomed out yet.
没有迹象表明萧条已经到了极点。
Evidence suggests that the global recession has resulted in significant setbacks in the employment levels.
有证据表明，全球经济衰退已经导致了就业水平的显著退步。
[选自：NPR: Campaign China-Bashing Obscures Real Problems]
4. familiar adj. 熟悉的，不拘礼节的，熟知的；常用短语：be familiar with。例：
Are you familiar with the laws relating to trespass?
你熟悉关于侵入私人领地的法律吗？
But even the most familiar American fast food joints can be surprisingly different abroad.
但是，即使是最常见的美国快餐，在国外也令人感到出奇地不同。
[选自：BBC: Travelwise: Would you like fries with that Maharaja Mac?]
n.熟人
5. strategy n.策略，战略。例：
The essence of all good strategy is simplicity.
一切优秀战略的精髓是简单。
Both elements are a key part of his strategy to reduce criminal justice costs.
这两个要素都是他用来降低刑事司法成本的策略的重要组成部分。
[选自：BBC: Watchdogs criticise out-of-court penalties]
6. slump v. 大幅下跌，猛然瘫痪，使倒下；
n. 暴跌，低潮状态，（土地）下沉。例：
But the shift also coincides with the global stock market slump and turbulent oil prices.
但这种转变也恰逢全球股市暴跌和动荡的石油价格。
[选自：BBC: More Saudi funds return home]
[Unfortunately], fews of us have much experience [dealing 1 with the threat of terrorism 2], so it’s been difficult [to get facts] (about how we could respond). That’s why Hallowell believes it was okay [for people to indulge 3 some extreme 4 worries] [last fall 5] [by asking doctors for Cipro and buying gas masks]. 6
不幸的是，很少有人有过应对恐怖主义威胁的经历，因此关于应该如何应对恐怖威胁，我们难以得到真相。正因如此，去年秋天人们陷于一些极端的焦虑——让医生开抗菌药并购买防毒面罩，哈洛韦尔认为这都是可以理解的。
注：1. deal v. 应付，分配，处理，交易，经营；常用搭配：deal with。例：
I hate dealing with large impersonal companies.
我讨厌与那些没有人情味的大公司打交道。
And as long as that threat continues, we must continue to deal with it.
只要这种威胁还在继续，我们必须继续处理。
[选自：CNN: Rights group: Libyan rebels looted and beat civilians]
n. 协定，交易，大量；短语：a great deal 表示“很多”。
2. terrorism n. 恐怖主义，恐怖行动。例：
At that point, it falls directly in the realm and sphere of domestic terrorism.
从这个方面而言，这直接属于国内恐怖主义的范畴和领域。
[选自：MSN: Bomb suspect pleads guilty in domestic terror case]
3. indulge v. 迁就，放任。例：
In the information age, no one can afford to indulge in such careless behavior.
在信息时代，任何人都无法放任这种粗心大意的行为。
[选自：FORBES: Why Men Are Better Negotiators Than Women]
4. extreme adj. 极端的，极度的；短语：an extreme example 极端的例子；extreme temperature 极限温度。例：
Hip and knee replacements are only being allowed when patients are in extreme pain.
只在患者极度痛苦的时候，才允许进行髋关节和膝关节置换手术。
[选自：FORBES: The Two Approaches to Medicare Reform: Rationing vs. Individual Choice]
5. fall n. 秋天。例：
Today, most British people talk about “autumn”, but American still talk about “fall”.
今天大多数英国人说“autumn”，但是美国人仍然说“fall”。
But in many respects, it was like any other fall Saturday in Happy Valley.
从许多方面而言，它就像在欢乐谷的其他任何一个秋天的星期六。
[选自：NPR: No. 12 Penn St Falls To No. 19 Nebraska 17-14]
6. 最后这句是why引导的表语从句。